Are you FREAKING KIDDING ME!?!?!?!?!?

At Eliana's 4 month appointment, everything was going well, or so I thought...

I love our pediatric practice. As a WHOLE they are wonderful. They can calm me down quickly and answer my questions. When the person I am talking to doesn't know the answer, she goes and finds it. I like them. Matt came with us to the first few appointments and picked out a Dr. that he felt comfortable with. She is nice, and very young. Not like Doogie Howser level young, but sometimes she feels like that.

Anyway. Back to our little story. Something wasn't right. Doc wasn't talking. She was just kinda doing the same thing over and over again. And then she said she would be right back with another Doc. She has done this before, and I am okay with it. She wants to make sure the information she is giving us is correct. I appreciate it. Doc #2 came in and did the same things Doogie Howser did. Then they both left. Eliana and I started to make fun of them. And have fun - like we do.

Doc came back in and said that Doc #2 confirmed her suspisicions. There is a SMALL chance that Eliana might have Down Syndrome.

WHAT?!?!?!

COME AGAIN!

JK. I didn't actually freak out. I was more shocked than anything else. I mean, we had the test when I was pregnant to check for Downs, even though I didn't care at all about the outcome, just wanted to see my baby again. I never in a million years would have terminated the pregnancy if she had Down Syndrome. I just wanted another fancy sonogram. I wanted to see her beautiful face.

So I started asking questions. Doc told me that it was because of a few things.
1 - Eliana wasn't standing up assisted. When you hold her up she doesn't put her feet down.
2 - Her tongue is always sticking out.
3 - Her muscle definition is loose.

So then I responded.
1 - Of course she isn't standing up, no one told me she was supposed to. SO why would I make her.
2 - I am the runt of my family when it comes to tongue length, and I can touch my nose. My brother's tongue was out until he was much older.
3 - SHE IS 4 MONTHS OLD! Of course her muscle definition is loose. She doesn't go to the GYM! what was I thinking!!!

Doc explained that had our positions been switched, she would want to know that there is a small chance that her child might be on the MOSAIC for Down Syndrome. Mosaic? Is that like the spectrum for Autism? Nope, its a mosaic. IDK.

She told me that there was a number I could call and they would come to the house and do a full physical, emotional, and mental exam to confirm. Or I could do blood work. On a FOUR month old. Right. So I asked the Doc, "Does she look like she has Downs?" "No."

The whole reason Doc told me this was "in case" she does have Downs. She didn't want me to be shocked or surprised if it showed up on her blood work later on.

So I went home. And told Matt. He wanted to call and make appointments and get her checked out, etc. I said sure. I will make the call. And the next day, Eliana started putting her feet down and standing up. And we never did anything about it.

Fast forward 2 months. To her 6 month appointment. I took her alone again, and we purposely saw the same Doc as before. We went through the motions and all the regular stuff. Then at the end of the appointment Doc said "You remember all that stuff about the possibility of Down Syndrome? Yea, I don't think there is any chance she has it." My response? "I know."

Every friend and family member I told this story to was appalled by Doc's behavior. And rightfully so. Had this been any other parent, especially a FIRST TIME PARENT, everything about how they raise that child would have changed. Most parents would start looking at this child as special or disabled. Doc was lucky it was me in the room that day. And she is lucky I don't have an interest in suing her. She could have completely derailed our relationship and damaged our family. Just in case.

Never once did I suspect that Doc knew what she was talking about. Never once did I suspect that my daughter might have Down Syndrome. It was not in the realm of possibility. So no.

In fact, I was more upset this past week by how much her butt her because of her diarrhea. Which was MY FAULT because I fed her carrots - and she is clearly still allergic.

Moral of this story? I am going to see Doc once more at 9 months. And I am going to talk to her about her decision to say "might" and "possibility" because any other parent would have freaked out. And then, I think we are going to switch Docs in the practice. No worries, there are 8 others to pick from and I have liked almost all of them.

Cloth Diapers... revisited

Okay. Things have changed... not by a lot. But enough. So I thought I would share it with you. And I thought I would give you more information.

So. We changed our minds on the all-in-one diapers before Eliana was born. We switched from the Bum Genius Freetime (it was the all-in-one diaper) to the Bum Genius 4.0. They are still a one size fits all (from 8-35 pounds) kind of diaper. But they are pocket diapers instead of the all-in-ones. 

After a few more conversations with friends and some more time watching videos on YouTube, I realized why pocket diapers make more sense. 

1. You can manage the amount of stuffing each diaper has. If she is a serious pee-er, then we can add extra layers of absorbency.
2. Don't get all judgey and stuff yet, because we haven't done this and don't know if we WILL do this, but we COULD do this. If she pees, you can change the WHOLE diaper, but only put the liner into the wet bag. The outside will take about 5-15 minutes to dry off and then it COULD be reused with a clean liner. Just saying. It is an OPTION. Not necessarily a reality.
3. Pocket diapers have an extra step when they come out of the wash. But so do socks. You have to find the match and fold them over. Pocket diapers need to be stuffed when they come out of the wash. The all-in-one diapers we were looking at before had two interiors flaps (instead of liners) that had to be manipulated at the time of diapering. You know, when our baby is sitting there squirming or screaming. Of the two options, I pick stuffing ahead of time rather than manipulating at the time of squirming.

And since we have been using the diapers for the last few weeks here is what we think. We love cloth diapers. In response to the numbers above

1. Eliana is a pee-er and we have already started managing it with more stuffing. It makes everything easier. 
2. We have not tried this. I don't know if we ever will. I am a little afraid of a UTI in an infant. How would she tell me what was wrong? So I don't know if it will happen.
3. Stuffing ahead of time is easy. It is just like folding socks. You make time for it. And it is easy.
4. For the cost. We have loved not having to run out and buy diapers. We have loved not buying diapers at all. 
5. In 3.5 months we have only had diaper rash once. And just barely. The diapers wick away moisture so she isn't sitting in it. Because of this, we have had very few diaper related problems. 

So we have about 24 diapers. And Matt washes them maybe every other day. We put them through the washer on the white cycle then we air dry them. 

Cloth diapering is easy. It is not the cloth diapering nightmare of even 30 years ago. Even Matt enjoys it, as much as anyone can enjoy anything related to diapering. 

are you ready for the hospital???

I wrote this post over a week ago, so please ignore the verb tenses, I meant to post it before we went to the hospital... but now I can give you some feedback on what we actually needed. 

I have been doing a lot of research when it comes to the hospital. Mostly because I have never given birth before... I know SHOCKING information! So here is what we have done to prepare ourselves, just a little bit.

1. I went in and met with a labor nurse. She took me into a labor and delivery room and talked to me for an hour about anything I wanted. She really calmed me down.
2. Took a birthing class. We took the express class because we didn't want to take a long drawn out class with homework and all sorts of other stuff we aren't all that interested in... I know, it might be a problem later on that we didn't spend 2 hours learning how to breath or bathe the baby. But that's why there are Grandparents and nurses.
3. Did a trial run of going to the hospital. hahahaha. Trial run! I started freaking out. So we went to the hospital and found out that I have a lot of Braxton Hicks contractions. We were just practicing. But we know where to park, where to go and check in. All of the above.
4. Installed the carseat.
5. And we packed our hospital bag. Twice. Here is what we are bringing with us. 

• DEB's bag: a robe, socks, pajamas, nursing bra, nursing tops, going home outfit (read sweatpants), slippers. I am not planning on wearing bottoms while I am in the hospital. Don't get excited, it's just that the war zone will be fresh. And I don't want (Matt) to have to wash that catastrophe.
• MATT's bag: 2 changes of clothing, pajamas. We are planning on sending him home to get one night of sleep the night before I come home. My Mom is going to spend that night with me in the hospital. (I wonder if I told her that...).
• OUR bag: phone chargers, Matt's tablet, toiletries (shampoo and stuff), our pillows
• BABY GIRL's bag: two outfits in different sizes, mittens, socks, two blankets (one for sending home to the dogs to get used to her smell).

And that's everything. The hospital will take care of me (yay insurance) with all the patching up clothing I need. And same for our Baby Girl - they will provide her with diapers, onesies, and blankets. And if they get dirty? We throw them in the laundry and ask for a new one. Simple. So why would we make more laundry for Matt?

The only other thing I needed was the boppy pillow. It made feedings and getting comfortable easier. My family brought it for us the first morning in the hospital. Oh and my Kindle - which I never had time to read.

Even with the minimalist list we actually brought, I had more than enough stuff. The only thing I would change? The clothing for Eliana. No onesies and no pants with feet. Onesies because of the umbilical cord - a shirt so nothing is rubbing up against it. And pants without feet because they put a low-jack on the baby while in the hospital that they have to cut off, and its on her ankle like a little criminal. 

Otherwise we were good to go.

And remember that just because you are no longer pregnant, doesn't mean YOUR pants will fit. Think about 5/6 months pregnant in the fit department. 

Ummm my water broke

This was the weirdest feeling ever! Seriously.

I was already awake. Baby Girl had already woken me up with pressure, but it wasn't bad. I just couldn't sleep. So I got up, took care of the dogs, pooped to try to deal with the pressure, made Matt's lunch, and washed the dishes.

Matt woke and asked how I was feeling. I told him about the pressure. Then I told him he was going to work and to get in the shower. This was my first day of bedrest and I was planning on enjoying it by myself!

At 6:05 he got out of the shower.
At 6:10 my water broke. Imagine the sensation of a water balloon (that you weren't 100% conscious of) getting caught on something and rupturing inside of you. That's what it felt like. And then a gush of liquid. I jumped back out of bed (last thing I did quickly for days). And hobbled towards the bathroom. When I told Matt, he was skeptical at best. I was the girl who kept thinking I was in labor when I wasn't. So I showed him my pants... They were soaked.

We called the doctor. We packed the car. Oh shit - let me just tell you - real contractions, the serious kind, oh wow do they hurt. Yup. You will know. Which is awful since with your first kid, you actually don't know anything. Imagine ... well I don't know really how to describe it. Oh yes I do - imagine your insides are trying to be ripped out by an alien that has taken up residency in your body for the last 9 months. And is getting evicted and making a huge scene about it. Then hit yourself with a hammer and you might be halfway there. Back to the story. We called the grandparents-to-be from the car. Then we stopped at 7-11 for coffee. Again Matt was skeptical. And I told him he could.

So we got to the hospital and checked in, again, you know, like we did on Monday. Only this time, they checked me in a lot faster. They kept offering me a wheelchair, but I turned it down - sitting was worse than standing. So checked in and then they checked to see if my water actually broke. It only happens on its own or first in 10% of labors, so they assumed (like Matt) that I was wrong. Test came back negative. ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!! But on the flip side, they did confirm that I was in active labor and I was admitted to the hospital for real. 

I hobbled down the hallway, slowly, having a contraction halfway there. So admitted and attached to the IV. I had to have a full IV of fluid before they would give me an epidural - which I wanted badly and seriously. The pain was seriously uncomfortable. So I was hooked up and then the doctor came in for my epidural. He hooked me and numbed my down. But 45 minutes later - it hurt again and I could feel it. So I called the nurse and asked for more. She checked me and realized that my epidural was no longer turned on - seriously. It was off. No wonder I could feel things. So they called the doc back and he fixed me. And I was good to go. 

At this point, I was comfortable and thought about taking a nap. The next few hours happened slowly and quickly all at the same time. 

Let's talk dilation. At my doctor's appointment on Tuesday, I was only 1 cm dilated. I was the same the week before. We didn't think it would happen all that quickly. Boy were we wrong. Within the first hour, I was at 3. I think around the next hour, I was 5. Repeat this process again and again and by 1pm, I was at 9+. At 2, I was ready to push. 

I felt pressure in my butt. I still had the epidural - so pressure is the only way I can describe what the contractions felt like. And then there is pushing. I did that. Let's fast forward a little bit. 

For the next two hours I pushed. And pushed and pushed. And I was making a lot of progress - except that she wasn't coming out. So I gave the doctor permission to cut me and make more space. He said that I wasn't ready yet - but I'm pretty sure I just said I was. Oh well. He said another 30 minutes and I said no. Within 10 minutes, she was out. I told him I wasn't waiting any longer. I told him.

10 hours after I said my water broke. And on my first day of bed rest. At 4:38pm, weighing 6 lbs 15 oz, and 20.5 inches long, Eliana Beatrice made her entrance into our lives. 

Bed rest

So the baby is due to arrive this weekend. As if you can predict or decide when a baby is actually going to show up. What a brat. JK I love her. 

So we have spent the last two Mondays thinking that it was time. Two Monday's ago, it was surreal. We were just following directions - they said if you are having contractions at regular intervals for more than an hour, call and then go get checked out. I forgot about the more painful than anything you ever experienced part. And they sent us home. 

Yesterday, it was painful. The contractions woke me up. And kept me up. I felt like I was being punished. And punched repeatedly in the vagina. Every few minutes. I didn't like it at all. So I called the Dr. and gave her the information. She told me to go in and get checked out. So we did. I have been 60% effaced for three weeks, but I am not dilating at all. These contractions helped start the process, but I am still only.... WAIT FOR IT!!!!.... 1 cm dilated. Wah wah wah wah. So we walked the hospital for an hour or so and then got sent home again. 

Now let me tell you, the contractions didn't ease up until the afternoon. And it is now tomorrow (from yesterday) and while the contractions are less painful (minor-ly) they are still happening. 

So I stayed home from work yesterday. I actually went in for 2 hours to meet with my sub and pass things off to him officially. But it made everyone nervous. I was told to get in, do my stuff, and get back out. Even though I told them that I was not in active labor. Didn't matter. 

The people at school don't want me back. Not while this baby is still inside me. Not at all. Because I have been having contractions. They are worried she will drop out at any point throughout the day. Which I wish would happen. So I had to bully the Dr. this afternoon. Bed rest or bust! We were practicing today. I have some amazing support here at home! But starting tomorrow, it is official - and I am at home!

Weeks 36, 37, & 38

Pregnancy: This post started at 36 Weeks, 90% cooked. But at 38 Weeks, we are 95% cooked.

Weight Gain: I had gained 38 pounds at 36 weeks. And for real, that was the last time I weighed myself. I am no longer interested at all. 

Measurements: My uterus is measuring right on track each week. Nice! And her head was already down at 36 weeks! At this point we are starting to guestimate her weight - right around 7 pounds last week.

Sleep: Yea no. Last night I didn't at all. Seriously not even exaggerating at all. I even tried adding another pillow - making the total 5. Between my knees, under the belly, behind my back, and two for my head. The bed looks inhabited all the time - there is almost a third person in there... in the bed, not my belly. And now I snore. Great. 

Cravings: I eat a lot of cereal. It is my dessert every night. Otherwise, I am avoiding foods because the heartburn sucks. I have gone through almost 600 TUMS in the last few months.  

Feeling: My back just started hurting full time. My lower back just feels tight. I have tried better sneakers. My back just hurts.

Movement: All the time. 

What's going on inside the belly:  

Last 3 weeks: You do know that all the information I give you here is from my phone right? None of it is exact or about me at all. But she is gaining weight. That's all. Getting plumper and gaining some insulation for when she decides to make her grand entrance. 

What's going on outside the belly:  We have had our last baby shower. And we are seriously getting ready for Baby Girl to show up. So many things got crossed off the list this week!

Sunday into Monday this week was very exciting. We went to birthing class Sunday afternoon. Started having contractions. I tried to sleep them off. We went to the hospital Monday morning. We were sent home 2 hours later. And I was told to rest. The afternoon was blissfully uneventful by comparison. Thank goodness. I have been having slight contractions all week. They are consistent and come at regular intervals (at times) but not strong enough to do anything productive. 

I am trying to make time for myself and do things I love. See people I love. Talk to people I miss. And take care of my ankles and back. I am trying to keep the backache down and the swelling down. But it is so hard. Next week we are talking about bedrest....

The TO DO LIST:
I think it is time to show you our to do list before baby girl gets here. We realize that this list is not complete but I googled some things we need to do. And it keeps getting longer and shorter. So not so bad. And I have been crossing things off the list too. 

• purchase furniture
• pick paint color
• paint baby's room
• reorganize the closet
• assemble furniture
• throw away things we don't need (I actually did this!!!!!!!!!)
• decorate the room
• hang photos
• find a pediatrician 
• find a lactation specialist (there is one at the hospital)
• get a car seat
• install car seat
• get clothing
• get diapers and diapering supplies
• get wipes
• get a diaper bag for me
• get a diaper bag for Matt
• get a stroller
• wash everything
• get a mattress pad for our bed (gross)
• tour the hospital
• sign up for a class (an express class without all the videos)
• sign up for a breastfeeding class (or with the personal consultant)
• FINISH LEAVE PAPERWORK (sick, union, disability)
• pack a hospital bag (for me, Baby, and Matt)
• make a contact list for someone else to send out when Baby Girl arrives
• make plans with the Grandparents, Aunts & Uncles for when Baby Girl arrives
• find a dog-sitter for Misty & Bones who can stay on the fly
• clean out the freezer
• impatiently wait for Baby Girl to arrive

Weeks 34 & 35

Oh lord only 6 5 weeks left!!! So exciting!!!

Pregnancy: 34 Weeks, 85% cooked!!!... 35 weeks, 87% cooked

Weight Gain: I have gained 35 pounds total now.

Measurements: This is my last week without a doctor's appointment. After this week, we go back every week. 

Sleep: Yea no. My hips & legs fall asleep. So I have to wake up and roll over. And my heartburn wakes me up in the middle of the night. Last night I slept with the bottle of TUMS in my bed. That's right, it was in between Matt & I in bed. 

Cravings: I really still want fried food. And sweets. But they make the heartburn so much worse. 

Feeling: These are not my legs. They are swollen. From the knees down they are not familiar at all. 

Movement: All the time. This answer hasn't changed at all. She moves constantly. And she is all over my belly. There are times when she kicks high, and times when she kicks low. She is very active during 3rd period, and again from dinner to bedtime. 

What's going on inside the belly:  

Week 34: She weighs about 4.75 pounds (like a cantaloupe) is about 18 inches long. She is getting plump. That is all she is responsible for in these last few weeks. 

Week 35: She weighs about 5.25 pounds (like a honeydew melon) is more than 18 inches long. 

What's going on outside the belly:  I have worked my last event at school. At this point my only job is to teach my classes and finish my sub plans (they are on the way to being done). 

The TO DO LIST:
I think it is time to show you our to do list before baby girl gets here. We realize that this list is not complete but I googled some things we need to do. And it keeps getting longer and shorter. So not so bad. And I have been crossing things off the list too. 

• purchase furniture
• pick paint color
• paint baby's room
• reorganize the closet
• assemble furniture
• throw away things we don't need (I actually did this!!!!!!!!!)
• decorate the room
• hang photos
• find a pediatrician (we I have been interviewing candidates all week. And I found some good ones!!!)
• find a lactation specialist (there is one at the hospital)
• get a car seat
• install car seat
• get clothing
• get diapers and diapering supplies
• get wipes
• get a diaper bag for me
• get a diaper bag for Matt
• get a stroller
• wash everything
• get a mattress pad for our bed (gross)
• tour the hospital
• sign up for a class (an express class without all the videos)
• sign up for a breastfeeding class (or with the personal consultant)
• FINISH LEAVE PAPERWORK (sick, union, disability)
• pack a hospital bag (for me, Baby, and Matt)
• make a contact list for someone else to send out when Baby Girl arrives
• make plans with the Grandparents, Aunts & Uncles for when Baby Girl arrives
• find a dog-sitter for Misty & Bones who can stay on the fly
• clean out the freezer
• test recipes 
• fill the freezer with ready to go meals - no prep work left.

1. Lentil Soup
2. Pot Roast
3. Chicken & Roasted veggies
4. Chicken Pot Pie

Week 33

Pregnancy: 33 Weeks, 83% cooked!!!

Weight Gain: Finally had some again. And then some. I gained those missing pounds back this week. And I have gained 33 pounds total now.

Measurements: The uterus is measuring 33 cm. And looking round! Shocker! Check out that basketball!

Sleep: Yea no. I wake up a few time during the night for more tums and more water. And to pee. Duh.

Cravings: I had a moment. We were at happy hour and talking about french fries. Then Nicole mentioned putting gravy on them. I had my first "mmmmmmmmmmmm that sounds like HEAVEN" I must be pregnant reaction.

Feeling: My legs hurt. And I need a haircut. Bad. Does that have anything to do with how I feel? And on Wednesday, when the weather was back up to 70, my ankles swelled. A lot. They hurt. And they look like hobbit feet. Even my doctor mentioned that they were big (I hadn't seen them yet - thanks belly!) And the weather change between outside and the sauna of my classroom? There went my hands...

Movement: Funny story. I was teaching on Tuesday and she kicked out on both sides at the same time.   I must have winced a little bit because my students froze and asked if I was in labor. I told them "no, she just kicked me hard." But they were skeptical for the rest of the period. I think they were afraid my water was about to break. I know I have told them that the baby isn't coming until the end of the quarter, but still.... kids are dumb.

What's going on inside the belly:  

Week 33: She weighs about 4 pounds (like a pineapple) is about about 17 inches long. So tall! We are working on hardening that skeleton and getting nice a plump this week.

What's going on outside the belly:  

Lots of swelling. Everywhere. My ankles. My fingers. My thighs feel fat now. My feet fall asleep really fast. No more sitting on them...

The TO DO LIST:
I think it is time to show you our to do list before baby girl gets here. We realize that this list is not complete but I googled some things we need to do. And it keeps getting longer and shorter. So not so bad.

• purchase furniture
• pick paint color
• paint baby's room
• reorganize the closet
• assemble furniture
• throw away things we don't need (I actually did this!!!!!!!!!)
• decorate the room
• hang photos
• find a pediatrician
• find a lactation specialist
• get a car seat
• install car seat
• get clothing
• get diapers and diapering supplies
• get wipes
• get a diaper bag for me
• get a diaper bag for Matt
• get a stroller
• wash everything
• get a mattress pad for our bed (gross)
• tour the hospital
• sign up for a class (an express class without all the videos)
• pack a hospital bag (for me, Baby, and Matt)
• make a contact list for someone else to send out when Baby Girl arrives
• make plans with the Grandparents for when Baby Girl arrives
• find a dog-sitter for Misty & Bones who can stay on the fly
• clean out the freezer
• test recipes 
• fill the freezer with ready to go meals - no prep work left.

1. Lentil Soup
2. Pot Roast
3. Chicken & Roasted veggies
4. Chicken Pot Pie

Baby Moon in Atlantic City

No lie, I thought I had already posted this... Apparently not. I hadn't uploaded any pictures or read it (since I wrote it on my phone). But my bad.

After the baby showers a few weekends ago, Matt thought that we might need a getaway. So we did. We drove up to Atlantic City. And we spent two nights there just enjoying ourselves.

We stayed at a new hotel, The Revel.  We had an Oceanside room. And it was beautiful.  Of course, there was a lot of crazy technology on the room. A remote that controlled everything from the TV to the temperature and lamps. I turned off all the lights from inside the bed. Huzzah.

So let's see here. We walked through the casino. It was also beautiful. The was some gambling. We started why black jack. Matt lost every time I was sitting with him. But when I was playing, I tripled my 30. Not bad, not bad.

We wanted to watch football. The 49ers were playing. And it was football. But the big networks were all out. In the city. Crazy right? So we got some dinner and uploaded the game onto or phones. But they figured it out and then they had to reset all the tvs manually. Crazy right? Can you believe that the Harbaugh brothers are playing each other in the Superbowl? Awesome!

After the game, I passed out. Matt went back down and played some more. But I slept for 10 hours.

Monday was MLK day and inauguration day. Matt went to the gym (shocker) and I monitored the President, I thought he did a great job. We grabbed breakfast and took a walk on the boardwalk. It was beautiful and sunny. But I walk really slowly and it drives Matt nuts, but next time he can be pregnant with a baby pushing on his diaphragm. We walked past Johnny Rockets on the boardwalk. Matt & I started dating 8.5 years ago in spite of that Johnny Rockets. And it happened right after I fractured my elbow on the last trip to AC.

So we headed back and he went looking for poker while I saw the VP and President sworn in again. After lots of reading, watching the ocean, and napping, I went looking for my husband. We each lost or money at craps and won it all back and then some at separate blackjack tables. Then off to dinner. We went to a whiskey place and had amazing food. Duck fat fries, whiskey sour, chicken sandwich, great beer, and a rum punch. Followed by a Jameson milkshake and chocolate cake. It was my birthday dinner! and delicious.

Then we went back up the room to relax for a bit. We had every intention of going back down to the casino. But Matt fell asleep :) Seriously. Not me. I woke him up and asked if he wanted to go back down. I was still awake... But nope. He was still sleeping. 

Tuesday we had to go home. We had to pick up the dogs by noon. So we got up nice and early, but still sleeping in compared to going to work, and we were off. We were home in time to get two happy and CLEAN dogs!!! Totally worth it!

So that was our last hurrah as a twosome. 

Weeks 31 & 32

Pregnancy: 32 Weeks, have come and gone. CRAZY!

Weight Gain: Actually, and this is weird... I didn't gain any weight the first week. I was still at 27 pounds. I was higher at one point during these weeks, but then I had a few great poops. But now I am at 28 pounds. No worries. The Doctor said my weight gain and plateau was fine. And nothing to worry about.

Measurements: The uterus is measuring 31.5 cm. But I am feeling mighty round. Look how big I am compared to 5 weeks ago. Craziness. Serious. Craziness.

Sleep: I remember it. I used to be good at it. Recently, I wake up in the night because my legs are falling asleep. And it doesn't feel good. So I get up and stand up. Then go back to bed.

Cravings: I like to eat. But still nothing weird.

Feeling: My legs hurt. And I need a haircut. Bad. Does that have anything to do with how I feel?

Movement: all the time. She has this one trick she likes a lot. She likes to push her back up against my stomach so my whole uterus feels hard. It is a little bit uncomfortable. She likes to do this a few times a day. The first time, it was seriously painful. But I learned a trick - GRAVITY! If I lay on my back for a few minutes, she settles back into my body.

What's going on inside the belly:  

Week 31: She weighs 3.3 pounds (about 4 naval oranges - only awkward because I ate so many this week). And she is about 16 inches long. Good thing she is folded in half still. But we are moving in for the final growth spurt.

Week 32: She weighs 3.75 pounds (about the size of a jicama - not that I know what that means). And she is 16.7 inches long. Oh and PS - this is when she has toenails, fingernails, and peach fuzz on her head.

What's going on outside the belly:  

We had our first two Baby Showers this week! They were wonderful. My department at work hosted the first one. And my best friend Colleen hosted the second. They were so much fun and I felt so loved.

The TO DO LIST:
I think it is time to show you our to do list before baby girl gets here. We realize that this list is not complete by any stretch of our imaginations, but it's a start.

• purchase furniture
• pick paint color
• paint baby's room
• reorganize the closet
• assemble furniture
• throw away things we don't need (I actually did this!!!!!!!!!)
• decorate the room
• hang photos
• find a pediatrician
• find a lactation specialist
• get clothing (we got a lot at the Baby Showers)
• get diapers and diapering supplies
• wash everything
• get a mattress pad for our bed (gross)
• tour the hospital
• sign up for a class (maybe)
• pack a hospital bag (for me, Baby, and Matt)
• find a dog-sitter for Misty & Bones who can stay on the fly
• clean out the freezer
• test recipes 
• fill the freezer with ready to go meals - no prep work left.

1. Lentil Soup
2. Pot Roast
3. 
   

Baby Shower #2

I have some amazing friends. I knew that. But you didn't, or maybe you did... hmmm. Anyway, I digress.

Colleen and I have been friends for a long time. But when became very close a few years ago. I think it probably started when she and I started going to country concerts together. I don't know if she knows this, but at one of our first concerts I got sick from not eating, drinking, and the insane heat. I think I must have passed out in the shade, because I remember strangers bringing me water.  But again I digress. Now we are lucky enough to work together. I look forward to that part every day.

So Colleen hosted a Baby Shower for me and Baby Girl at her lovely Mom's house. No matter how many times I asked if I could do anything to help out, she shot me down. She made a diaper cake that I am still amazed by. I refuse to take it apart. 

No lie. I was nervous beforehand. I had friends coming from college as well as local and work friends. I was overwhelmed by the number of people who love us. Not the worst thing in the world to be nervous about. But in the end, it was perfect. I was surrounded by people I love and who love Baby Girl & I. 

The whole shower was my idea of heaven. From the games to the food. We played Bingo, trivia, categories, and they all put bets on when Baby Girl will arrive and how big she will be. I hope they bet small and early. I mean, a girl can hope right?!?!?! And let's talk food! Macaroni & cheese, sandwiches, fruit, and butternut squash!!! My Mom made it for us! And unfortunately, there weren't any leftovers. Sad face. And Jen made CUPCAKES!!! I love POPPYCAKES! Dark chocolate with salted caramel buttercream and fudge icing. And champagne cupcakes. How could a girl complain at all?! I loved eating them for the last week!

The best present we got? All the BOOKS! I know you thought we had enough books. But we don't. No such thing! 

Check out the original list of books we had. And here are the new books!!!!

• Pat the Bunny
• Llama Llama Red Pajama
• Sammy Spider (2)
• Where the Wild Things Are (EN)
• Barnyard Dance
• My Little Pony Throws a Party
• Where the Wild Things Are (SP)
• Eric Carle Books (2)
• Good Dog Carl
• I Ruff You
• Belly Laughs (Jenny McCarthy)
• Snow Day for Jingle
• Too Purple
• Dr. Suess books (ABC & Sleep)
• Love You Forever
• Going to Bed Book
• Caterpillar & Butterfly book
• Baby Care Bible
• Cat & Butterfly book
• Good Night Gorilla
• Classic Storybook
• Terp book
• Winnie the Pooh stories
• The Bro Code for Parents
• Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

We also got a lot of other very useful presents. I think we are set on bath time supplies. Almost. And we have a few diapers now. I should do a show and tell on our diapers. We did at the shower. And we got some amazing homemade quilts. They are getting their own post. No worries. But I know that there are two more in the works, so I thought I would wait on that post. 

So THANK YOU!!! To my friends and family! We feel so very loved!

Baby Shower Numero Uno

I have a very clear policy with myself. Don't talk about work on the blog. I never mention them at all. This blog is not about my job. For a few reasons too. First, the blog is about my husband and I, and we don't work together. Second, this blog is not a forum for saying negative things. I feel like everyone goes home and complains about work. But that is not why you are here. And most importantly, talking about work is completely unprofessional. I don't like talking about work in writing ever. Not in email, not in text, and definitely not here.

But today. Those rules are gone! I work with 10 amazing people. 9 women and 1 man. And we have a lot of fun. They surprised me big time and threw my first Baby Shower this past week! We went to one of my favorite breweries, Dogfish Head, for lunch and had a wonderful time!

We played some great games - they each had to make a baby out of clay, a trivia game, and the poopie diaper game.

Okay let's talk trivia. They were asked 11 questions about the Baby, Mattl, & I. And I thought I would share some of the answers with you. Some of these answers are right and most are funny.

1. Nursery theme? Baby animals, books, reading, Disney characters, turtles, quilts, bears
2. Food cravings? Beer, salami, chocolate, peanut butter, pizza, fried food
3. Strange rituals during pregnancy? rubbing the belly, "there's a lot of strange things about Deb," crying, washing hands tons, going to bed
4. Zodiac sign? Aries, Pisces, Aquarius
5. How many times do I pee? 15, 13, 8, 9, 10
6. # of kids we want? 3, 2, 17 (thanks Joe)
7. Where did we meet? at school
8. Favorite pregnancy restaurant? Dogfish, Founding Farmers, Chili's
9. I didn't like this question. SKIP
10. My favorite part of pregnancy? Boobs, gas, food, crying on demand, taking pictures of my tummy, baby kicks
11. My least favorite part of pregnancy?  Sweaty feet, getting dressed, gas, heartburn, morning sickness, feeling fat, not drinking enough beer

I could not work with a better and more caring group of people. They are very supportive and loving. It was also just great to be out of the building with them for food and drinks. And yes, I did have half of a beer. And a large glass of water and a ginger ale.

A Literary Genius

All of the people who have seen the nursery in person have commented on the fact that Baby Girl has a lot of books. Now, to be fair, she really doesn't. You should see my parents' house. They have a ton of books. Stashed all over the house! But I guess for someone who isn't here yet, she does have two full baskets of books.

My sister suggested that I make a master list of books, so we don't get too many duplicates. In fact, we already have 1 set of duplicates... and I think I bought the second one. Strange. The first was from my childhood.

Here is our current list of books:

Books in English

• My First Chanukah
• Biscuit's Hanukkah
• Goodnight Moon
• Green Eggs & Ham
• The Giving Tree
• Pinkalicious
• Oh, the Thinks you can think (2)
• The Story of Ferdinand
• The Baby Unicorn
• The Day Jimmy's Boa Ate the Wash
• Horton Hears a Who
• Llama Llama home with Mama
• Betty Bunny loves Chocolate Cake
• The Three Little Javelinas 
• I can Name 50 Trees Today
• The Lorax
• McElligot's Pool
• An Aussie Night Before Christmas
• Ten Little Fingers & Ten Little Toes
• Gallop!
• If You Give a Moose a Muffin
• If You Give a Mouse a Cookie
• If You Give a Pig a Pancake
• If You Give a Pig a Party
• If You Take a Mouse to School
• Wynken, Blynken, & Nod
• Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
• Corduroy
• My Treasury of Stories & Rhymes

Books in Spanish

• Muu, muu dice una vaca
• Moncho y la Mancha
• Donde viven los monstruos (Where the Wild Things Are)
• Katy no tiene bolsa (Curious George)
• Jorge el Curioso encuentra trabajo (Curious George Finds a Job)
• Buenas Noches a Todos (The Going to Bed Book)
• Don Caballito de Mar (Mister Seahorse)
• ¿Donde esta Spot? (Where is Spot?)

Bilingual Books - text in both languages

• I want my banana - Quiero mi Platano
• I'm Too Big - Soy demasiado grande
• The Sleeping Beauty - La Bella Durmiente
• Cinderella - Cinicienta
• Jack & the Beanstalk - Juan y los frijoles magicos
• The Little Mermaid - La Sirenita
• Goldilocks - Ricitos de Oro y los Tres Osos
• Little Red Riding Hood - Caperucita Roja
• The Very Hungry Caterpillar - La Oruga Muy Hambrienta
• Ten Little Fingers - Tengo Diez Deditos

Currently, they all reside mixed together in two wicker baskets on the floor in between the rocker and the crib. I can easily grab them from the basket to read to the dogs or myself. There is also a bookshelf behind the rocker, not so accessible from the rocker. Once we are closer to the end of the pregnancy and the beginning of babyhood, I will separate them by age appropriateness (and what I want to read to her). And from there, books will rotate from the bookshelf to the baskets.

So there you have it. A literary genius in the making. Can't even read, and she has almost more books than she kicks in an hour.

Week 30!!!

Pregnancy: 30 Weeks

Weight Gain: Nah just kidding. I was thinking about this after last week's post and thought, "nah I want to continue keeping track of this information." Because I am curious! Currently? 27 pounds.

Measurements: Hmmm. Nothing has changed this week.
 
Sleep: Sometimes I can't sleep at all. Last week I was sick with the really bad head cold that was going around. I couldn't sleep because I couldn't breathe. But I found that if I drink an entire glass of water right before climbing in bed, I fall asleep faster. Not fast by any means. But faster counts. And after I wake up to go to the bathroom? I repeat and drink again.

Cravings: I like to eat. But still nothing weird.

Feeling: Achy. Still. There are times when sitting is the most uncomfortable feeling in the world, because she is squishing up into my ribs. It is just frustrating. Sitting in a car for more than 45 minutes is no longer comfortable. That's why we have only one big trip left. Not telling about it. Going on a mini baby-moon with the hubs!  

Movement: all the time. I noticed last night that when I can't remember the last time I felt her move, all I have to do is put my hand on the belly, and she will move for me. Anyone else's hand and she says NO THANK YOU! But for Mommy? Okay!!!!
 
What's going on inside the belly:  
Week 30: She weighs 3 pounds (like a head of cabbage). And she is 15.7 inches long. I looked at that on a measuring tape - and that is tall! And she wasn't going to fit inside... But then I folded it in half (like she is) and she fit so much better!

What's going on outside the belly: 

Over the next 6 weeks we have lots going on to help us get ready. We are gearing up for Baby Shower season. I can't wait to see so many of my friends and family!!!

Also... I had another ultrasound this week! In 3D. CRAAZY town!  I have a ton of pictures, but these are some of my favorites! She made so many cute faces, but most of them were covered by her hands. She is definitely our baby - STUBBORN. It felt like she was trying to tell us something the whole time...  "get out of my face" or maybe "NO PAPARAZZI!!" Who knows...

In the end, she was very clear on her message to us...

The TO DO LIST:
I think it is time to show you our to do list before baby girl gets here. We realize that this list is not complete by any stretch of our imaginations, but it's a start.

• purchase furniture
• pick paint color
• paint baby's room
• reorganize the closet
• assemble furniture
• throw away things we don't need (this won't ever be crossed off my list)
• decorate the room
• hang photos
• find a pediatrician
• find a lactation specialist
• get clothing
• get diapers and diapering supplies
• wash everything
• get a mattress pad for our bed (gross)
• tour the hospital
• sign up for a class (maybe)
• pack a hospital bag (for me, Baby, and Matt)
• find a dog-sitter for Misty & Bones who can stay on the fly
• clean out the freezer
• test recipes 
• fill the freezer with ready to go meals - no prep work left

Cloth Diapers

Oh lord have I read and talked to a lot of people about this.

Reasoning? It is not about saving the planet at all. It is a happy bonus coincidence. For me? The cost of diapering a child is too much. And then how about a second child? Forgetaboutit! Not happening! I want to save money (for college). Once we have the diapers, we won't need to buy more. Duh. And we can use the same diapers for the first and second (and maybe third) kid. Only the elastic at the legs might need to be replaced. Not so bad.

Current plan:

Newborn diapers?
We are going to try to use our diapers as soon as they fit. But I am not buying more cloth diapers than we can use. I am not buying any additional extra small sizes - mostly because I bet our kid won't be small at all. Have you seen Reese babies? They are bigguns!

But before our baby fits into our diapers - we are going to use disposables. Because in the beginning, it is just about survival. Parent survival. Making it through each day and each diaper. 

Home?
In order to get Matt on board, I had to keep diapering as simple as possible. So I did some research. And I found Bum Genius freetime. I can't wait to have one in my hands to play with. What I know at this point? There is a waterproof outer layer. It is adjustable to three different sizes in terms of crotch length. And four different waist sizes. It also has two absorbent layers attached and permanent on the inside.

Know what else we did to get Matt on board? New fancy washing machine for Chanukah. Front loader. High efficiency. All the bells and whistles. No seriously. It has bells and sings each time you press a button. I wouldn't know about it because I don't know how to use it. He hasn't showed me how to use it. But Matt told me it plays music.

Traveling?
I originally was completely against cloth diapers with inserts because of the extra step. However, for traveling, I think a disposable insert would make the most sense. So I'm thinking about GDiapers. The outsides are reusable and the inserts (while expensive) will make diapering on the go easier. And you can use the outside over and over again and just change the insert. So yea. That's my thought.
Cons? They are not all-in-ones. So we will need different sizes. Which makes me think that they are not the one. That makes it less easy. And less affordable. EPIC LOSS.

So I went back to Bum Genius. Crazy right? And brand consistent? What is that about? So pocket diapers. They are the same on the outside as the other ones. The difference? Instead of having two absorbent layers that are attached, it has a pocket. And it comes with an insert. It shoves right down into the pocket. The reason I am thinking about these ones? Honestly? It is kind of gross... but you can change the insert and reuse the outside diaper. Imagine, just one outside diaper and changing the insert. You could even use the disposable inserts. The only reason for changing the whole diaper? Poop. Chunky stuff.

The home stretch

It's official. We are in the third trimester! We have less than 12 weeks left. And after 28 weeks, 12 doesn't sound like that many at all.

All Baby Girl needs to do is gain weight at this point before we can meet her.  Crazy that in 3 months I will be able to talk to her face and kiss her cute button nose.

Pregnancy: 28 & 29 Weeks

Weight Gain: This is the moment that I stop sharing... I found it. I still have about 10 pounds to gain in this last trimester. But most of that is her.

Measurements: We had a Dr.'s appointment this afternoon. And they measured my belly. 29 centimeters from top to bottom of my uterus. And still wearing the same size pants as I was before I was pregnant. My butt is the same size!!!! But my belly is HUGE! It surprises Matt most mornings, but he sees it without a shirt on... and it is much bigger without a pretty shirt on. But good to know - I didn't know this shirt was see-through. Good to know.
 
Sleep: I received a fancy pregnancy pillow for Christmas. I thought it would make sleeping more comfortable. I was wrong. My assortment of little pillows tucked around my body works so much better. Crazy. In fact, over break, I missed all my pillows. I only travel with the little one that my belly sleeps on. But I missed my head pillows and knee pillow.

Cravings: I like to eat. But still nothing weird.

Feeling: Achey. That's not how you spell it. But that's how I feel. Different parts of my body at different times of the time. My lower back hurts a wee bit. There are times when my legs ache. And sometimes I feel like I have been punched in my vagina. But my doctor said it's fine and not to worry.

Movement: all the time. She kicked the doctor today. How great is that? He was listening to the heartbeat, and she kicked him right in the doppler... He had just asked about her movements too, and then he chuckled.
 
What's going on inside the belly:  
Week 28: She weighs 2.25 pounds. She is going to spend the next 12 weeks getting plump and squishy. And is 14.8 inches long. She is blinking and has eyelashes! She responds to flashlights by either kicking or blinking. And her brain is developing billions of neurons to outsmart her parents.

Week 29: She weighs 2.5 pounds and is about 15 inches long. She is the size of my favorite vegetable - a butternut squash!!! She has increasing nutritional demands at this point, so I need to eat more calcium, vitamin C, and iron... gross. She is hardening her skeleton and pushing to make space for her growing body. Boy, do I feel it. 

What's going on outside the belly: 

Glucose test? Done! And PASSED! At this point, we are going to the doctor every other week. Crazy. We are actually in the home stretch. All our doctor's appointments are scheduled from now until the week after her due date.

The TO DO LIST:
I think it is time to show you our to do list before baby girl gets here. We realize that this list is not complete by any stretch of our imaginations, but it's a start.

• purchase furniture
• pick paint color
• paint baby's room
• reorganize the closet
• assemble furniture
• throw away things we don't need 
• decorate the room
• hang photos
• find a pediatrician
• find a lactation specialist
• get clothing
• get diapers and diapering supplies
• wash everything
• get a mattress pad for our bed (gross)
• tour the hospital
• sign up for a class (maybe)
• pack a hospital bag (for me, Baby, and Matt)
• find a dog-sitter for Misty & Bones who can stay on the fly
• clean out the freezer
• fill the freezer with ready to go meals - no prep work left
• 
  

Baby Girl's Room

We have been working on Baby Girl's room for a few weeks now. Slowly but surely. Actually, I can tell you that it has been about 9 weeks to be sure. We started by picking out two colors right before we found out she was a precious girl.  And to be honest, I wanted the purple regardless of her gender. The green, was just green. But the purple felt right.

So Matt started painting. I did the swatches and that was about all the smell I could handle. Thankfully, my husband is wonderful and understood that this meant he would be handling all the painting. Both coats. 


And he is a wonderful painter! The purple is GORGEOUS! I adore it!


Once the painting was done, Matt started to change the outlets. He found safety plugs that we are slowly replacing throughout the house. They have something in them that prevents kids from sticking anything but a plug into the outlet. There is some kind of plastic behind it, and all the holes need to be depressed at the same time.


Then it was on to the closet. We bought an organizer. All we had to do was decide where the shelves were going. Sounds easy right? But we figured it out. And then we figured out that the ceiling was really sloped... not level at all. Seriously like whoa.


Then we started putting things in their place. I tried a number of different arrangements. We knew that the dresser (with changing pad on top) would go underneath the shelf that Gerry made along the wall in front of the door. But everything else was debatable. I tried the twin bed in a few different places, but it made the most sense in between the dresser and window.

Then it was on to decide about the books. Baby Girl has a lot of books already - and she can't read at all! I had a bookcase, a shelf, two wicker baskets, and a set of cloth baskets. Misty decided that I should wait and make that decision once the rocker glider was there so we could see how it would all fit.

Fast forward a week or so and Matt was very productive! Our furniture came in!!! And then he had the whole thing assembled before I came back from running errands.

The crib? Assembled!

The rocker glider? Assembled!

The baby's room? Almost done!

What's left? You know, the stuff we don't have yet.
I need to:

• put photos up on the walls
• sheets in the crib
• fill the dresser/closet with clothing, blankets, diapers, diapering stuff
• getting rid of Ernie & Bert (see above photo). They were from school; the students made them for homecoming and I didn't know where I was going with the room, so I figured we could try it for now and then change our minds. 

And all the other things that I don't even know about yet because I don't have a baby yet. But no worries - I have great friends who are helping me figure things out. (Thanks Lesley for pointing out that we will need a laundry basket in here too.)